EAI Blog

-SAP XI Interfaces-

This week was pretty cool.  We went to the computer lab to work with SAP XI.  We learned the Design data types, Design message types using data types and created an interface using message types.  I have never used SAP, so I was a little worried at first that I would struggle using the interface.  When we started to log onto the Integration Builder Design, following the lab instructions was pretty fun and worked seemlessly for me.  This lab exercise will help me out on out future project and having some background in SAP will also give me something to talk about with potential employers in the near future.

As for this week, we also had a Health Services reading and proposal for a term paper due.  Learning about the different integrated systems that the health field has and difficulties in implementing new technologies was interesting to me.  For my term paper, I have chosen to research and write about Portals, business and web based portals.  Finding information shouldn't be hard, but I would like recommendations to further my research.

This week we continued on the XML and Services lecture.  We learned how XML Web Services work and what one actually is.  There are a couple of protocols involved with XML web services; TCP/IP, SMTP, FTP, HTTP, SOAP.  There are also many different definitions that try to explain what Web Services are and how they should work.  Web services have key elements, Data structures used in service, Messages, Operations (web methods) Bindings and Service.  Web services don't add new functionality to a network.

We also learned about the MIDDLEWARE, which is any type of software that facilitates communication between two or more software systems; controls flow of data, and also facilitates routing information.  Some models that accompany MW are one-to-one, many-to-many, one-to-many, synchronous, asynchronous, connection/connectionless-oriented, direct and queued communication.

This past week in class we had a pretty cool lab.  We learned about the extensible markup language and how we can link specific data to a particular web-site and also a web-service.  For the most part, I was able to follow the lab sheet step by step.  Some confusion was a result of my labeling on the (Web-Service & Web-Site).  I got confused at which one I had initially created and how to link different information to the particular part of my lab.  In the future I should take my time and try to make sure that all labels, codes and materials are properly documented and inputted.

Also in lab, I learned that when I download specific information that relates to the professor's code for VB.net, I should copy and paste this information.  This will eliminate mistakes by physically entering in the data with the risk of null input, and also make it quicker and easier to complete lab work in the future.

Side note: I have recently conquered Guitar Hero III on expert but still have no clue how to beat, Dragonforce - Through The Fire and Flames on expert (INSANE).  I will also make a new purchase of a Nintendo Wii for some sweet sports games and entertainment.

This week, we learned about the different issues related to integrating/implementing new strategies and information between two separate entities within a single company.  There were barriers between the US and the German entities.  There were conversion, definition, and code syntax, complex issues faced when trying to make the two entities share information.  All groups in the class participated and had really good ideas for how the company would be able to have both entities collaborate information with out eliminating or excessive additions to the formats of each entities' system process.

We also had a reading assignment due on the Case Study: SOA Delivers for Wachovia - With Interest.  This case study was pretty interesting.  I had to use Wikipedia to define some key concepts/words outlined in this article.  I then wrote 2 ?'s and 2 lessons in response to the article.

I also created a power point in regards to another class of mine International Finance, if anyone wants to see the ppt. presentation, I have it uploaded for you to look at it.